J17 – 1/3/2006

“Today I changed my erroneous idea of the geography of the black forest: It is not flat.  I began by going up a 4Km long hill that I wouldn’t even want to go down on bicycle.

The roads are hellish and I am losing a lot of time because I have to move to the side and my feet get into the snow.  In spite of this, my mind is beginning to control my body, which little by little is giving into the strain placed on it.  I got very cold during the last three hours and consequently finished with a good stomach ache.  I wasn’t able to appreciate the scenery, because of the snow, the sleet and the fog, whereas yesterday I was spellbound, to the point of telling Laure that we would come back to this place for a vacation.  In the end, all this is very subjective and it depends on the weather, my condition and my mood to benefit from my surroundings.

I was also very stressed by Laure, who, when at the wheel of the camper parks any old way and wherever she wants in order to guide me.  The poor drivers must curse her.

I’m happy because tomorrow I will have the visit of a special friend and I have a feeling that I will be very moved. Good night.”  Serge